Outsmarting drug resistance in targeted cancers using evolutionary models
Extending experimental evolutionary game theory in cancer in vivo to enable clinical translation: integrating spatio-temporal dynamics using mathematical modeling
This project combines lab experiments and math models to find ways to slow or prevent drug resistance in cancers treated with targeted drugs like tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11211034 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will extend an experimental assay that measures how different cancer cell types interact and compete, moving from petri dishes into living tumors. They will add time and space details to map how resistance emerges and spreads within tumors. Mathematical models called evolutionary game theory will be built from these measurements to predict which treatment strategies might keep resistant cells under control. The team aims to use these predictions to guide future clinical approaches that could change how targeted therapies are given.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancers treated by targeted therapies—especially those driven by mutations treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors—would be the primary group who could eventually benefit or be invited to related trials.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancers are not treated with targeted drugs or who are not eligible for future trials based on this approach are unlikely to see direct benefit from this grant's work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to treatment schedules or combinations that delay or prevent resistance and prolong the benefit of targeted cancer drugs.
How similar studies have performed: Theoretical and lab studies using evolutionary models have shown promise in explaining resistance, but translating these methods into proven clinical treatments remains largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Cleveland, United States
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru — Cleveland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Scott, Jacob Gardinier — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Scott, Jacob Gardinier
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.